350 Years of Jewish Life in America

350 YEARS OF JEWISH LIFE IN AMERICA

Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the Jewish community on 350 years of Jewish life in America. In September of 1654, 23 Jews founded the first Jewish community in America when they sailed to what was then New Amsterdam. The Jewish community in this country has a rich and fascinating history, surmounting numerous obstacles and working diligently to make great contributions to our Nation. I offer my sincerest congratulations to the Jewish community on reaching this important milestone and express my endorsement of the 350th Rabbinical Resolution and ask that it be printed in the RECORD.

The resolution follows:

There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:

Let it be known that in Elul 5764 (September 2004) the Jewish community of the United States began a year long commemoration marking the 350th Anniversary of Jewish settlement in this country.

With the help of God and under the protection of the Constitution of the United States, we have lived and prospered in this land. We have been an integral part of American life. We have worked with all other Americans in the never-ending effort to keep secure the democratic way of life. Our ancient prophetic ideals and the teachings of our sages serve as cornerstones of this Nation's values. Our work, our hopes, and above all, our living religion have been among our proudest offerings to the American community.

In some lands across the seas the Jewish people have felt the searing flame of prejudice, persecution and death. The American Jew has had the sad, yet inspiring opportunity to bring comfort to the oppressed, the joyous opportunity to participate in the reconstitution of the Jewish state on the ancient soil of Israel, and the inescapable and ennobling responsibility to mend the broken places in our world.

Even as we have worked for the well-being of our people abroad, the Jewish people in America have struggled to preserve our noble heritage, our historic traditions, our ancient teachings, our ethics, and our spiritual ideals in the free climate of our Nation.

Mindful of our manifold blessings and with deep gratitude in our hearts to the God of Israel, who, in 1654, led our forebears to the shores of this great new land,

We have proclaimed the period from Elul 5764 (September 2004) through Elul 5765 (September 2005) to be one of special thanksgiving, prayer, study, reflection and celebration to mark the 350th Anniversary of Jewish Communal Life in America. We call on all American Jewry to participate in the observance of this anniversary; to thank God for the bountiful blessings that have been bestowed on us in this remarkable land. Let us express our collective hope that peace, security, and prosperity will reign in our Nation for all.

May the principles of freedom and liberty that have been the lodestar values of this great Republic continue to radiate their blessings on our Nation.

Central Conference of American Rabbis
Rabbi Harry Danziger, President

Rabbinical Assembly
Rabbi Perry Raphael Rank, President

Rabbinical Council of America
Rabbi Dale Polakoff, President

Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association
Rabbi Brant Rosen, President.

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